Archived Premier League Football Betting Tips (26th April 2008)

Premier league football betting tips are given one of the following three ratings:

Banker, large stake, predicted outcome is more than likely.

Likely outcome, medium stake, worth a gamble.

Worth a flutter, small stake, be prudent and stick to matches where you can spot the value.

Below were the predicted outcomes for the weekend fixtures Sat 26th to Mon 28th April 2008.

Archived Premier League football betting tips (26th to 28th Apr 2008)

Sat 12:45

Chelsea v Man Utd

Undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend and likely to be the title decider. A win for United means the Premier League is theirs, a draw almost hands it to them whilst victory for Chelsea puts the Blues right up there with a chance, although United will still have to drop points in their remaining 2 games. Both clubs face the dilemma of resting players with next week's second leg Champions League fixtures in mind but this is such a big game, can either
side really afford to? United's last away defeat came at Upton Park towards the end of last year where as Chelsea have not fallen victim to anyone at Stamford Bridge in 100 domestic fixtures. Avram Grant's side haven't been on top of their game in recent weeks and some say the manager is a dead man walking regardless of any potential silverware. Lampard may be missing for personal reasons and Vidic is unlikely to recover from a stomach virus but they are the only notable absentees. It's a close call but United are unlikely to make the running and should be happy with a point.

Draw 1-1

Sat 3:00

Birmingham v Liverpool

A crushing own goal from from Riise in the depths of stoppage time may have severely impacted Liverpool's chances of progressing to the Champions League final but it's not over until the fat lady sings and unlike Chelsea, Benitez has the option of resting players this weekend. He rested players at Craven Cottage last weekend and comfortably won so expect him to do the same again; it should be recognised that regardless of the result their position is likely to remain unchanged so he'd be a fool to risk key players ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Birmingham are undefeated in their last six at St Andrews and McLeish will be expecting a response after their heavy mauling at Villa Park. Bolton's victory at the Riverside meant that Birmingham were plunged back into the bottom three and are desperate for a result from their penultimate home game. They managed a point at Anfield earlier this season and might be worth a shout for a value home victory given that the Reds will be fully focused on next week's Champions League action.

Home Win 1-0

Man City v Fulham

After what has been a dissapointing new year for City, they've strung together 2 successive victories against quality opposition; Sunderland are always a threat at home and Pompey have produced some of their best results this season away from Fratton Park, but City managed to turn them both over in the last couple of weeks. Maybe the threat of big spending in the summer has motivated the players and they have a good chance to make it 3 wins on the bounce
against a Fulham side 5 points adrift of safety and firm favourites for the drop. If Fulham lose and 2 of the 3 sides immediately above them win then the Cottagers will be relegated. Fulham's last away day (at Reading) resulted in their only away victory of the season but lightning is unlikely to strike twice, especially against City's miserly defence and it could be a dark day for the travelling side.

Home Win 2-0

Sunderland v Middlesbrough

Another north east derby for Sunderland and they'll be looking to get more out of it than they did last weekend at St James Park. Neither of these side are mathematically safe and with 36 points apiece only 3 goals sepearates them. They both lost at the weekend but Boro's defeat to Bolton at the Riverside was the result that surprised many; just as Southgate's side begin to put some decent results together they slip on the proverbial banana skin and find themselves back at square one. Boro have won just 3 of their 18 away fixtures and will find it tough at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland have as good home form as any mid table side. The
Mackems have lost only 6 home games this season and should be guaranteed to put in a spirited performance in an effort to avoid any possibility of relegation.

Home Win 1-0

Tottenham v Bolton

Bolton's victory at the Riverside has given them a chance of avoiding the drop as they move up 2 places and a point clear of the bottom three. It's so tight at the foot of the table that, excluding Derby, 2 of 7 clubs are potential suitors for relegation and Bolton need to
lay claim to as many points as possible. The Trotters' victory at Boro was only their second away win of the season and though they'll make life difficult for Spurs, it's difficult to see them winning two on the bounce. Spurs are now safe but Ramos is having to use the summer transfer window as motivation for players to keep producing until the end of the season. The lilywhites have drawn their last 3 games but should have enough to take the 3 points at home against a side that look toothless since Anelka's departure.

Home Win 2-0

West Ham v Newcastle

The Hammers have registered 3 wins in their last 6 home fixtures but they scraped victory at home to Derby last weekend and the Upton Park faithful are not a happy bunch. Those home fans still in the ground booed their side off at the end and with 3 games to go, a top half finish and associated bonuses are hanging in the balance. This fixture against Newcastle is effectively a 6 pointer as victory for the Magpies would close the gap to 2 points and given their current form, a win for Keegan looks on the cards. Newcastle are undefeated in 6 games and have conceded just 2 goals in that sequence, the front three are all scoring and it'll take a brave Hammers fan to watch this one. Curbishley can't keep blaming injuries despite them having had more than their fair share and needs to address the spirit within the camp if they're to get anything from the game.

Away Win 1-3

Wigan v Reading

Another foot of the table clash that may affect the short term destiny of either club. Reading are just a single place and point above the drop zone and have 2 away fixtures left (the other is at Derby) but have secured just 6 points on the road this season (3 draws and 1 victory). Coppell must be worried given that he recalled Leroy Lita from his loan spell at Charlton in an effort to secure their Premier League safety. They travel to the JJB where Wigan are now undefeated in their last 6 home fixtures and have used their poor pitch to full advantage. A win for the Latics would ensure their own continued Premier League status and Bruce will be keen to get the victory this weekend as they still have to go to Villa Park and host United leaving little potential for further points. A 'must win' game for either side but Wigan are likely to have the edge.

Home Win 2-1

Sun 1:30

Portsmouth v Blackburn

Probably one of the few games of little interest this weekend. Assuming Portsmouth go on to win the FA Cup their final league position won't affect other sides with regards to the UEFA Cup whilst Blackburn have dropped of the pace in the chase for a European spot and will have to settle for mid table. Pompey have had an excellent season and have not been beaten at Fratton Park in their last 8 fixtures in all competitions. The defeat at Eastlands last
weekend hinted that their thoughts are on the Wembley final but Redknapp will still be aiming to finish the season as high as possible. Their opponents, Blackburn, despite having a good season have failed to build on the success of the last and have lost 3 of their last 5 games on the road. Given the current circumstances of both sides, a draw looks to be a fair result.

Draw 1-1

Sun 4:00

Everton v Aston Villa

There may be a big game at the top of the table this weekend but this fixture comes close given the relative positions of either side. Everton have held fifth spot for what seems an age but their form has slipped in recent weeks and now Villa are breathing down their necks knowing that victory at Goodison will move them above the Toffees and into that all important UEFA Cup place. In their efforts to catch Everton, Villa have scored 15 goals and conceded just once in the last 3 games; not sure they'll score 5 at Goodison but they look likely to pose a threat. Everton have suffered since the loss of Tim Cahill to a foot injury and goals have been at a premium but they're a resilient side and haven't conceded more than a goal a game since the 2-0 defeat in Florence. Usually, I'd expect this to be a draw but given Villa's potency in front of goal, maybe they have the edge.

Away Win 1-2

Mon 8:00

Derby v Arsenal

Relegated Derby remain winless under Paul Jewell and they don't look particularly worthy of promotion from the Championship next season. The manager obviously has to make some bold decisions come the summer but looking at his January transfer deals, don't hold your breath. The Rams have managed 3 points from their last 6 home games but that tally is hardly likely to increase at home to Arsenal, even though the Gunners have only won one of their last 5 away fixtures. Wenger's men have been granted an unwanted rest period after losing out to Liverpool in the Champions League and rumours abound that stars such as Adebayor, Hleb and Flamini are off to pastures new. Whatever the current situation at the Emirates, opponents don't come much easier then Derby and Arsenal should stroll to a comfortable victory.